Device and method for conveying flat objects

A method for conveying and releasing flat objects, in particular printed products, comprising the following steps:

• moving a plurality of grippers in a conveying direction along a closed conveying path defined by a conveyor member,
• wherein the grippers comprise a first and a second gripper jaw which relative to one another may assume a clamping position and an open position;
• wherein the first gripper jaw is extended with respect to the second gripper jaw and comprises a first gripper part which in the clamping position cooperates with the second gripper jaw, and a second gripper part which in the clamping position projects beyond the second gripper jaw;
• moving the closed grippers, with objects received therein, to a transfer region and opening the grippers in the transfer region;
• depositing the objects which are released from the opened grippers onto the conveyor rest of a conveying-away device in the transfer region;
• setting the orientation of the first and second gripper parts of the first gripper jaw relative to one another by means of a control device;
• and
• controlling movement of the second gripper parts in a manner such that the second gripper parts press the objects in the transfer region against the conveyor rest of the conveying-away device such that the released objects are guided in a controlled manner during their transfer to the conveyor rest;
• and
• wherein the second gripper parts are movable, controlled in a manner such that the objects in the transfer region are pressed by the second gripper parts against the conveyor rest, before, during and after the opening of the grippers.